CBD-based products can be administered in a variety of ways, including orally, sublingually, or topically. There are pros and cons to each. Here are some examples of how people use CBD products:
Oral Ingestion
- Types: Capsules, tinctures, gummies, edibles, powders
- Onset: Effects may be felt within 1 to 2 hours
- Duration: Relief last 2-3 hours
The most common route of CBD oil administration is orally, or through the mouth.
Oral Ingestion is an easy and convenient administration method but it is not the most efficient for absorbing high levels of CBD. When you take CBD oil orally, it passes through your digestive system and metabolizes in your liver before entering your bloodstream. Compared to other methods, taking CBD oil orally may take longer to kick in. Absorption is slow and dosing is tricky due to the delayed onset of effect (1-2 hours). CBD oils that contain fatty acids, such as olive oil or MCT oil, can increase its bioavailability. Oral ingestion of CBD oil is recommended for those seeking relief from anxiety, stress, and insomnia, and for those hoping to promote restful sleep.
Sublingual
- Types: CBD oil, tinctures, tablets
- Onset: Effects may be felt within 5 to 20 minutes
- Duration: Relief lasts 2-3 hours
In addition to being taken orally, CBD can be taken sublingually, which means under the tongue. Administering CBD oil sublingually is a quicker way to activate its effects. CBD can also be absorbed directly into the bloodstream by holding oil or tincture under the tongue for 15 seconds or more before being swallowed. This sublingual method allows CBD to completely bypass the digestive system and liver metabolism, so the chemical compounds reach the bloodstream faster and more effectively than through oral ingestion. Sublingual CBD may be ideal for pain, migraines, and acute stress.
Topical
- Types: Creams, lotions, balms, sprays, patches
- Onset: Effects may be felt within 15 minutes
- Duration: Relief lasts 2-4 hours
Topical products are applied directly to the skin and are absorbed through the skinʼs surface to interact with nearby cannabinoid receptors. Rather than taking CBD orally or sublingually and allowing it to travel throughout the body, topical applications deliver CBD effects on target areas directly to where the pain is occurring. By massaging CBD products onto sore muscles, joints, and damaged skin, you can focus the CBD oil effects on target areas. This means that topical CBD creams may be especially beneficial for localized conditions such as inflammation of a particular joint or muscle.
Applying a topical to the skin only allows it to break the skin/muscular barrier, but does not enter into the bloodstream. Topical CBD products are primarily designed to provide relief from pain, stiffness, and inflammation and don't produce a high.
What Is The Right Dose for Me?
How much CBD should I use? Everybody system is different, and there’s no standard dose of CBD that works for everyone. Like coffee and dietary supplements, CBD can produce very different effects among individuals. Some people are sensitive to coffee and experience intense side effects, others can have four coffees a day completely unaffected. Caffeine impacts everyone differently, just like CBD.
Dose slowly and consistently: A first-time CBD oil user should start with a low to moderate concentration of CBD oil, like a 250mg or 500mg CBD tincture. Because the results of CBD are individualized, there isn’t a “standard dose.” Starting with a small dose of 5 to 10 mg is generally a good place to start. Depending on how you feel after your first dose, you can gradually increase until reaching the desired effect. With time, the dosage of CBD oil can be adjusted to fit your individual needs.
More is not always better: One person may require a higher dosage than another, so it is important to know how much they need according to their symptoms. CBD is not necessarily better in higher doses and taking more does not mean you reap more benefits. A lower dose might actually be more effective, and many studies show that CBD is more effective when combined with a bit of THC. Contrary to popular belief, CBD is actually a stimulating compound in low doses -- helping you feel calm, yet alert.